Who Are The Ventures:

In 1958, Bob Bogle and Don Wilson formed the nucleus of the original music group, The Ventures. The duo was joined a few years later by Nokie Edwards to record "Walk, Don't Run". The song hit Billboard's Singles Chart on July 18, 1960 and peaked at #2. The rest, as they say, is history. The band became one of the most popular and biggest selling acts of the 1960s, and was prolific during the 60's in terms of touring and recording, particularly albums.

Since that spectacular beginning, The Ventures - later joined by Mel Taylor, then Gerry McGee, and more recently Bob Spalding and Leon Taylor - have gone on to help define a frequently overlooked branch of rock and roll music - Instrumental Rock. The band is credited by countless guitar legends as being a favorite or an influence. The Ventures’ style and their music have, from day one, been unique and groundbreaking.

More than 50 years later - with record sales at 100 million plus - with 14 songs that hit the Singles Charts - with 38 LPs that hit the Album Charts (including their smash seasonal Christmas album) - with a lineup that remains solid - The Ventures’ style and sound is as pure and powerful as ever.

The Current Touring Group Members of The Ventures are:

Don Wilson - Rhythm Guitar - (co-founder in 1958)

Gerry McGee - Lead and Bass Guitar- (joined in 1968)

Bob Spalding - Lead and Bass Guitar- (joined in 1981)

Leon Taylor - Percussion - (joined in 1996 after the passing of his father, Mel Taylor)

The Legend Lives On

The Ventures remain active, recording and touring to the delight of fans around the world. It seems every year holds something new and surprising for them. 2008 marked the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the band, truly a remarkable accomplishment. It also saw their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band celebrates their official 50th Anniversary in 2009, with a special tour in Japan, shows in the US and Canada, and multiple CD releases.

The Ventures are considered by many to be the greatest "surf band". While it is true that The Ventures style and music helped define that musical genre as much as anyone, they are much more than that. Surf is just a subset of what The Ventures are: